There's a lot of preparation involved in traveling overseas. Make a checklist and timetable and go by it. Think of passports, how much or little to pack, medications and prescriptions, cell phone hardware, emergency info etc. The more you do now the less you have to worry about when you get there. Look up local customs and spend some time on the internet doing your homework. I've added links that I found useful, especially the Rick Steves info (PBS guy). How much crap are you going to bring back for friends. You're already going to piss them off with your vacation movies so autographed pictures of the Apostles won't impress them. This whole tirade is geared to help you have a good time when you get there. Worry now, play later.
Even if you can't manage to get oveseas there's plenty of places right here to go. I've done a fair amount of travel throughout the US and plan on more in the future. Extended traveling can have negative affects as well, I was engaged to a lady in South Carolina when an extended overseas tour put a damper on that. But I can honestly say I wouldn't trade the life I've led for anything or anyone. Too many good experiences, too many good people to have any regrets.
In case you're wondering how I managed all this, it was quite easy. I'm a retired Navy Chief. I worked in Operations with data links, radar computer systems and telecommunications. I also managed to complete my college education. I spent 15 years of my career at sea onboard combatants and the rest at various shore installations as an instructor. This is a pretty common career path for sailors, some better, some worse. I most certainly am nothing special. I intentionally didn't mention this at the beginning because that's not the purpose of this journal.... but it sure points out some nifty benefits of the job doesn't it.
I write alot about the cuisine from each country but a long time ago I went vegetarian. Not that I have anything against eating meat, I'd personally skin "Fluffy the cow" if I was hungry enough. I do it strictly for the long term health benefits. I spend a fair amount of time with the elderly and visiting hospitals and It's somewhat of an eye-opener to see the kind of life many of them have. Not preaching, informing! Have some free time today? Go visit the sick and elderly in any facility, they'd appreciate it. Some day it may be you in that facility, you'll appreciate a visiter too.
